The Serbian
Novak Djokovic
(4 in the world) beat the Bulgarian
Grigor Dimitrov
, despite his left thigh discomfort, 7-6(7), 6-3 and 6-4, in just over three hours to qualify for the round of 16 at
the Australian Open
.
The champion of 21 'major' titles was treated after the conclusion of the first set for five minutes and will face Australian Alex De Minaur
in the next round
.
Dimitrov fell into the trap of trying to put more pressure on a player who at times seemed prevented from moving to his backhand area;
and the unforced errors multiplied against a consistent Djokovic who
wanted to spend as little time as possible on the track
so as not to aggravate his left thigh injury.
Novak Djokovic again received medical attention during the match against Dimitrov.
Photo: EFE/EPA/LUKAS COCH.
The Bulgarian committed
50 unforced errors
that contrasted with the 21 of the Serbian and he was not fine with the serve either, accumulating 59% of first successes.
It was the fifteenth time that the man from Belgrade reached the round of 16 in
Melbourne
and tied the Spanish
Rafael Nadal
in second place on a list led by the Swiss
Roger Federer
.
It is his
59th presence in the fourth round of a slam
and is only behind Federer himself, who participated 69 times in the round of 16 of a 'major'.
He earned his
24th consecutive
Australian Open victory after losing to Chung Hyeon of South Korea in the round of 16 of the 2018 edition.
Novak Djokovic wants to continue making history in Australia.
Last year he was unable to play after being deported from the country for his decision not to get vaccinated against covid.
Photo: AP Photo/Aaron Favila.
His next rival will be the Australian De Miñaur after he equaled his best result in his local 'slam' by reaching the round of 16 for the second consecutive year by beating Bonzi, 7-6(0), 6-2 and 6- one.
The solidity of De Minaur, who
beat Rafael Nadal in the recent United Cup
, shone after committing just twelve unforced errors between the second and third sets.
The 'Aussie' and the Serbian never faced each other, so the Rod Laver Arena will witness an unprecedented duel this Monday.
Source: EFE
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